Moorosi Tsiane
THE long-running trial over the 2014 Maseru bombings has entered a decisive phase, with former army commander Tlali Kamoli asking the court to acquit him and his co-accused.
Kamoli, along with four soldiers, is charged with orchestrating the 27 January 2014 simultaneous bombings targeting the homes of former First Lady, ‘Maesaiah Thabane, and then Police Commissioner, Khothatso Tšooana. The accused face charges including attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The other four accused are Litekanyo Nyakane, Pitso Ramoepane, Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Malefane Heqoa.
The defence has argued that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking the accused to the attacks. Lawyers representing Kamoli and his co-accused – Advocates Letuka Molati, Karabo Mohau KC, Kabelo Letuka and Napo Mafaesa – submitted that the Crown had not established a prima facie (straight-forward) case.
They contend that the evidence led in court does not meet the legal threshold required for the accused to be placed on their defence, and have urged the court to acquit them at this stage.
Presiding over the case, Justice Charles Hungwe has directed both the defence and the prosecution to file written submissions before oral arguments are heard over the acquittal bid. The defence is expected to submit its heads of argument by 4 May 2026, with the Crown set to respond three days later. Oral arguments are scheduled for 11 May 2026.
The development follows testimony from Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sera Makharilele, the lead investigator, who described the investigation as having been hindered by political interference and lack of cooperation.
DCP Makharilele, who started testifying last week, told the court that attempts to advance the probe were frustrated when Kamoli allegedly refused to release soldiers suspected of involvement in the bombings.
He further stated that the investigative team was at one point disbanded during the Pakalitha Mosisili-led coalition government, before being reassembled after Tom Thabane returned to power and Kamoli had left the Lesotho Defence Force.
According to DCP Makharilele, efforts to secure the surrender of suspects—including a formal request through Dr Tšooana—were blocked, delaying progress in the case.
During cross-examination this week, the defence suggested that investigators had initially targeted Major General Ramanka Mokaloba for prosecution but later shifted focus to Kamoli.
DCP Makharilele dismissed the claim, saying the decision, taken in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions, was to use Maj Gen Mokaloba as an accomplice witness based on the available evidence.
“The evidence led us to Kamoli because of his participation,” DCP Makharilele told the court.
The court will now determine whether the case proceeds or ends at this stage.
